The excerpt below is taken from ProAVL Asia Magazine, May-June 2018 edition.
With the exception of goal announcements, passionate football spectators are normally too busy singing, cheering, shouting and groaning during matches to pay significant attention to the PA system. Indeed, many announcements are simply drowned out by the collective volume emitting from the stands. However, all modern football stadia need to be equipped with a compliant PA system should the worst happen and evacuation be required. Enhancing the spectators’ experience is optional, but intelligibility remains critical for safe exiting.
Working closely with general contractor PT Adhi Karya (Persero) and architectural consultant PT Penta Rekayasa Kerjasama Operasi (KSO), systems contractor PT Elsiscom Prima Karya was called upon to supply and install an extensive TOA audio system throughout GBK. Commencing in July 2017, the GBK refurbishment was always going to stretch manpower and resources if the system was to be successfully commissioned prior to the opening ceremony.
‘We wanted to set a new standard here in Indonesia,’ explains PT Elsiscom Prima Karya’s assistant director, Felix D Kristianto. ‘The stadium is huge, so we wanted to ensure that the resultant speaker systems are fully reliable, save energy and can be remotely managed and controlled.’
Music may invoke passion, but a PA system can stir emotions. When GBK reopened on 14 January for Indonesia’s friendly international football game against Iceland, it provoked a response from President Joko Widodo. ‘The singing of the national anthem during the opening ceremony was dramatic – GBK’s sound is better than ever,’ he commented on his Facebook page.
